Having a remote job has its pros and cons. Pros like getting to stay at home and not having to commute every day, and cons like missing out on in-person interactions or not getting enough sun (very important for so-called “house plants.”) But to thrive in this digital world, you need the right tools, as they can make all the difference in your productivity and success. As a remote worker myself, I thought I’d share with you my top 10 software essentials for remote workers in 2024.
10 Software Essentials for Remote Workers
1.) Communication Applications
A reliable communication platform is crucial for staying connected with teammates and clients. For seamless messaging, video calls, and collaboration, you and your team should consider using communication platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana.
2.) Project Management Software
Forget rushing or doing things last minute. You can stay on top of your work tasks, deadlines, and projects with project management software like Notion, Trello, or Monday.com. These platforms help you stay organized, delegate tasks, and monitor your and your team’s progress efficiently.
3.) Cloud Storage
Having a remote job requires you to store and access work files securely. Subscribing to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive allows you to access your files from anywhere in the world! (As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, of course.) Having cloud storage ensures that your documents, presentations, and spreadsheets are always accessible and safe, even if your device is lost or damaged.
4.) Password Manager
Safeguard your online accounts and sensitive information with a password manager like LastPass, Dashlane, or NordPass. If you’re in need of new passwords for your new accounts, they can also generate strong passwords for you, store them securely, and autofill login credentials for when you sign in again for easy access.
5.) Video Conferencing Software
Virtual meetings are essential for remote jobs. You can host or attend virtual meetings and webinars using video conferencing software such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype. These platforms offer features like screen sharing, meeting recording, and virtual backgrounds in case your home office is not yet camera-ready.
6.) Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Working remotely often means accessing sensitive company data. Sometimes, we have to do this using whatever Wi-Fi network is available, and if that happens to be a public Wi-Fi network, that can pose multiple security risks. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from hackers and ensuring your privacy online. I highly recommend subscribing to VPN services. Some companies you could look into are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or ProtonVPN.
7.) Grammar Checking Tool
Ensure your written messages are clear, professional, and error-free with grammar-checking tools such as Grammarly. From catching spelling errors to suggesting better sentence structures, these tools help you write better emails, documents, and messages effortlessly.
8.) Time Tracking App
Keep track of your billable hours and improve productivity with a simple and intuitive time-tracking app. Some apps you could look into are Toggl Track, Paymo, and Clockify. If you want to make sure you’re not spending too much time on Reddi, time-tracking apps work for that, too!
9.) Email Management Tool
Remote workers receive multiple work-related emails a day. Keep your inbox organized and clutter-free with email management software such as Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, and Klaviyo. These tools offer features like email categorization, scheduling, and even automated responses, which allow you to stay active and reachable even during off hours – if that’s what you prefer, of course!
10.) Note-taking Apps
Make sure you don’t miss a thing! Capture ideas, meeting notes, and to-do lists with a note-taking app like Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, or Notion. Stay organized and productive by keeping your thoughts and tasks in one digital workspace, accessible from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
With these 10 software essentials, you’ll have everything you need to thrive as a remote worker in 2024. From staying connected with your team to keeping your data safe, these tools will no doubt help you work smarter, not harder.
If you’re only starting your remote job journey, I highly recommend learning and investing in these beginner-friendly and budget-friendly essentials one at a time. It’s also worth noting that some platforms offer multiple functionalities, such as note-taking, project management, and more, adding versatility to your workflow.
With that, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Vidal Sassoon, “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
